Object Number 2014.0001 A-G

Object Name

Clock (Shelf clock)

Category

Clocks, Watches, and Scientific Instruments

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Edward Granville Foss in memory of his grandfather Granville Edward Foss, Jr. (1867-1934) and his father Granville Simonds Foss (1898-1992).

Creator (Role)

David Wood (Maker)
1766-1855
RELATIONS: DANIEL BALCH, SR. (MASTER)

Place of Origin

Newburyport, Essex, Massachusetts, New England, United States, North America

Date

1800-1805

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Signature; Dial, beneath main arbor; "David Wood / NEWBURYPORT" in black paint in script
2. Label; Seat board, surface, proper right side; "Clock Shop of Virginia / 1993 B[?]833 / #6428 / 201 WEST WATER STREET / CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 22901" printed and typed adhesive label
3. Label; Lower case, interior, proper right side; "#616 / RESTORED BY / Fred W. Feist / Timekeeper for Good Homes / Antique Watch, Clock and Instrument / 38 COWPATH DRIVE . STAMFORD, CONN. / AREA CODE 203 DAVIS 2-4639" printed on white label with black ink
4. Label; Lower case, interior of backboard; " [?] INO / [?] RT" written in graphite on fragment of white adhesive label with red border

Materials

Mahogany; White pine; Brass; Tinned sheet iron; Enamel paint; Iron; Glass; Lead; Steel; Graphite

Dimensions (inches)

30.75 (H) , 12.2 (W) , 6 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

78.105 (H) , 30.988 (W) , 15.24 (D)

Measurement Notes

Dimensions of enameled iron dial: H. 10.0 inches, W. 7.0 inches. Movement brass plates: H. 4 3/8 inches, W. 2 3/4 inches. Brass pulley diameter: 1 5/8 inches. Winding key: L. 2 5/8 inches. Door key: L. 1 1/2 inches. Pendulum: L. 18 1/2 inches. Pendulum bob diameter: 2 1/2 inches. Brass weight: L. 5 1/8 inches, Diam. 1 1/2 inch.

Object Description

Web - 02/10/2014

David Wood apprenticed as a clockmaker and then established his first "Clock-Dial Manufactory" workshop in 1792 in Newburyport's market square. He married Elizabeth Bird in 1795 and his business as a clock and watchmaker flourished despite a significant fire, international trade embargoes, and the War of 1812. His newspaper advertisements indicate a steady business in watch and clock repairs as well as small luxury items like seals, jewelry, hair clasps, and enamel boxes. Numerous tall case clocks with brass or enameled iron dials bearing his name survive today. Wood was among several Boston regional clockmakers such as Daniel Balch Jr. and Simon Willard of Roxbury who offered reliable shelf clocks to suit the growing market for smaller, more affordable timepieces. Wood's shelf clocks are fairly scarce and are distinguished by the stylistic variety of the cases and individuality of the painted dials. This two-day, weight-driven timepiece in a diminutive case is remarkably pristine in its structural originality and surface patina. It falls into Wood's early career with a a fine, but not overly expressive early classical style.